Angioedema and swellings of the orofacial region.
OBJECTIVE
Patients may have various forms of angioedema and require dental treatment which can cause or contribute to the onset of an episode of angioedema. This paper seeks to highlight the causes and the management of this serious condition.


METHODS
An outline of the different types of angioedema is given here, along with three case reports which illustrate treatment and management.


METHODS
Three patients who presented to an Oral Medicine clinic with angioedema are presented to illustrate various types of angioedema and the different contributing factors that precipitated episodes of the condition.


METHODS
The three patients were all investigated for biochemical and allergic factors which may have caused their disease.


RESULTS
Both drugs and dental materials were shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of angioedema in this short series of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Dental treatment or the use of some materials may promote or contribute to the disorder. Referral to hospital for specialist care is indicated for certain groups of patients who require invasive dental treatment. The multi-disciplinary team approach in the investigation and management of patients with angioedema is emphasised.
Rees
S R
SR
Department of Oral Medicine, Glasgow Dental Hospital and School NHS Trust, UK.
Gibson
J
J
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000799:Angioedema / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D003174:Complement C1 Inactivator Proteins / Q000172:deficiency; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000009:adverse effects; D018876:Environmental Illness / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007819:Laryngeal Edema / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D008260:Macroglossia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D003174:Complement C1 Inactivator Proteins; D003764:Dental Materials